Janet D. Donlin, DVM

Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer

Biographical sketch

Dr. Janet Donlin has served as AVMA executive vice president and chief executive officer since 2016. Her hiring marked the first time a woman has held the highest staff leadership position in the Association since the office was created in 1922.

Dr. Donlin began her employment with the AVMA in 1991, serving as an assistant director in what was then the AVMA Scientific Activities Division. Over the course of the next 17 years, she served as an interim division director, associate executive vice president, and assistant executive vice president. From 2000 to 2001, Dr. Donlin served at the AVMA as interim chief executive officer of the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues, where she oversaw the establishment of the commission as a nonprofit organization.

From August 2007 to March 2013, Dr. Donlin served as chief veterinary officer of the Global Veterinary Business Channel of Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. There she provided veterinary insights to drive development of innovative products and services to meet the evolving needs of the veterinary profession and pet owners.

Dr. Donlin returned to the AVMA family in 2013, taking the position of chief executive officer of the AVMA Professional Liability Insurance Trust (AVMA PLIT).

Dr. Donlin has professional membership in several associations, including the AVMA, the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, the American Society of Association Executives, and the American Association of Industry Veterinarians. She was a board member of the American Association of Corporate and Public Service Veterinarians. She also was a trustee of the AVMA's Group Health Life Insurance Trust (now AVMA LIFE).

She is a licensed veterinarian in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Dr. Donlin is the first veterinarian to earn the Certified Association Executive credential from the American Society of Association Executives.

She received both her DVM and her Bachelor of Science degree in medical technology from the University of Minnesota. She also is a graduate of the veterinary technician program at the Medical Institute of Minnesota.

As AVMA CEO, Dr. Donlin serves the needs of AVMA members as they face new challenges and opportunities. She works closely with AVMA leadership, staff, and veterinary colleagues to advance the AVMA's mission "to lead the profession by advocating for our members and advancing the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health."